Teaware

Everything can be polished, especially purple clay teapots, but how you do it is key! Thinking back to my early years as an apprentice, I made a Shiliang teapot and left it on my master's tea table to "nourish." I was very excited and wanted to nurture a teapot that was exclusively mine. Being young and impetuous, I was a little impatient and wished to achieve the same luster as my master's teapot immediately. In the dead of winter, coming into the studio early in the morning, there was no better pleasure than brewing a pot of tea. After pouring out the tea, I would take a full sip and, while the teapot was still warm, quickly cup it in both hands and rub it vigorously, using it like a hot water bottle. It was a wonderful warming tool in the winter. At the time, I didn't care if my hands were clean or oily. If they were oily, all the better; rubbing the oil onto the teapot made it look particularly beautiful and shiny. I even rubbed my face against the teapot to accelerate the patina, spreading the oil all over its surface and continuously caressing it with my…

Since its inception during the Ming Dynasty and flourishing in the Qing Dynasty, the Zisha teapot has developed for hundreds of years, with countless shapes. The most classic teapots are not only appreciated for their beautiful designs but also for their unique cultural connotations that resonate with many enthusiasts. Among them, there are ten classic Zisha teapot shapes, each with its own story or symbolism, conveying profound and enduring truths that elucidate the philosophy of life. 【Stone Spout】— Temperance The Stone Spout is a traditional classic style of Zisha teapot, elegant and upright. It is said that the original name was Stone Kettle, but during the Republic of China period, Mr. Jingzhou suggested the meaning "Of all the water in the world, I will drink but one cup," renaming it the Stone Spout Teapot, which has been used ever since. The Stone Spout tells us to be content with what we have and not to be overly greedy. Material desires are never fully satisfied, "With a thousand acres of fertile land, one can eat no more than three bowls per meal. With ten thousand rooms, one can sleep in no more than one bed." Excessive possessions burden us. 【Imitation Ancient】—…

Embrace the Magic of Flower Tea Flower tea is not just a beverage, it's a way of life. Whether you're seeking relaxation or simply enjoying its taste, brewing a cup of flower tea is a delight. Here, we will detail how to brew flower tea correctly so that you can enjoy a perfect cup every time. Select High-Quality Flower Tea Ingredients To brew a delicious cup of flower tea, you must start with high-quality ingredients. Whether it's rose, jasmine, or chrysanthemum tea, choose those with bright colors, intact petals, and rich fragrance. This ensures both great taste and additional health benefits. Prepare Suitable Water Quality and Temperature The quality of water used for brewing flower tea is crucial. It's best to use purified or mineral water to avoid the chlorine and impurities found in tap water, which can affect the taste of the tea. Water temperature is also key; different types of flower tea require varying temperatures. Generally, the ideal brewing temperature for flower tea is between 80°C and 90°C, ensuring the aroma and nutrients are preserved without being damaged. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringement occurs.) Master the Proper Amount of Tea Leaves The amount of tea leaves…

Famous Chinese tea wares include celadon, white porcelain, and more. Where are they produced? Let’s delve into the details below. The Top Ten Production Areas for Famous Chinese Tea Wares: 1. Yue Kiln: Known for Celadon Production The Yue Kiln is a primary production site for southern celadon in ancient China. The Tang Dynasty marked the peak of Yue Kiln craftsmanship, earning it a distinguished reputation both domestically and internationally. 2. Xing Kiln: Known for White Porcelain Production The Xing Kiln was one of the earliest sites in Northern China to produce white porcelain. It was located in Neiqiu County and Lincheng County’s Qicun area, under the jurisdiction of Xingtai City, and holds a significant place in the history of Chinese ceramics. 3. Ru Kiln: Known for Sky-blue Glaze Ru Kiln is located around Qingliang Temple in today’s Baofeng, Henan Province. Named after the city of Ru during the Northern Song Dynasty, it is renowned for its celadon tea wares, including sky-blue, pea-green, and powder-blue varieties. 4. Jun Kiln: Known for Copper-red Glaze The Jun Kiln, also known as Junzhou Kiln, was established in the town of Shenhoushen, Henan Province, during the early Song Dynasty. The ancient Jun Kiln site…

Many teapot enthusiasts choose to use purple clay teapots when drinking tea, one reason being that over time, with the continuous soaking in tea water, they become smooth and lustrous, which is referred to as “forming a patina.” ▲ A lustrous patina Thus, nurturing the teapot becomes a subject of study for every user and lover of these teapots. However, upon closer examination, we can discern three levels of nurturing a purple clay teapot. Let's delve into them. 1. Seeking But Not Achieving "Seeking but not achieving" is something many novice teapot enthusiasts encounter. Despite trying various methods, the teapot shows no change or fails to develop a beautiful patina. ▲ Tea stains on the bottom of the pot In previous articles, we have analyzed that this can be due to several reasons: Reasons related to the teapot itself: Novice enthusiasts may have purchased slip-cast or hand-pulled teapots or teapots made from inferior clay, all of which can lead to failure in developing a patina. Reasons related to the method of nurturing: For example, failing to clean tea residue regularly or allowing the teapot to come into contact with oil, which can result in uneven coloring on the teapot body.…

1. After drinking tea, remember to dispose of the tea leaves and thoroughly clean both the inside and outside of the teapot. Note that when using a new teapot, remove any wax, oil, dirt, and tea scale from its surface. 2. If you find there is tea scale on your teaware, squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto the teaware, then spread it evenly over the surface with your hand or a cotton swab. After about one minute, rinse the teaware with water. 3. Chop up some potato and put it in the cup, pour boiling water into the cup and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The tea scale will then be easy to wash off. Potatoes contain starch which has strong absorption properties, making it easy to remove the scale from the cup. 4. Place a small spoonful of orange powder or orange juice inside the teacup or teapot, fill it with water, and leave it for 2-3 hours. This makes the tea scale detach from the teaware, making it easier to remove. Different cleaning tools are used for different types of teaware materials 1. To remove tea scale from metal tea strainers, if the metal tea…

The four treasures of tea utensils are: the Mengchen Brewing Pot, Ruochen Cup, Yushu Kettle, and Red Clay Brazier. The Mengchen Brewing Pot is a small teapot made from Yixing purple clay. Why is it called Mengchen? According to legend, Mengchen was a famous potter from the Ming Dynasty in Jiangsu, China, surnamed Hui, who specialized in making small teapots. When used for brewing tea, these small pots retain the color, aroma, and flavor of the tea. They are durable, and even when filled with boiling water alone, they impart a tea flavor. In the heat of summer, tea left overnight does not easily sour. These teapots have strong heat resistance, so there is no risk of cracking when boiling water is poured into them during winter. Additionally, they conduct heat slowly, so they do not become too hot to handle when in use. Over time, they develop a luster and take on an antique appearance. The Ruochen Cup, often paired with the "Mengchen" as the two jewels of tea utensils, is a thin porcelain cup. It is as thin as paper and as white as snow, small and delicate, resembling half a ping-pong ball or a miniature rice bowl.…

Throughout the development of tea history, the relationship between tea culture and tea wares can be directly attributed to the impact of tea culture on the evolution of tea wares. After all, the development of tea wares has progressed step by step based on the foundation of tea culture. So, how has tea culture influenced the development of tea wares and tea ware culture over time? Several thousand years ago, tea leaves came into existence. At this time, tea wares were not specifically used for brewing tea but were used together with wine utensils and other vessels. This situation persisted for thousands of years. After the Tang Dynasty, due to economic prosperity and people's pursuit of spiritual civilization, tea wares emerged. The tea at that time was usually in the form of compressed cakes, and the commonly used tea wares were made of ceramics. It is worth noting that glass tea wares had already appeared by then, but due to technological limitations, they did not develop further during the subsequent feudal dynasties. After the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang abolished compressed cakes in favor of loose leaf tea, which directly propelled the rapid development of purple clay teapots.…

The process of nurturing a teapot starts from the very first use. To achieve a lustrous and smooth effect, besides having a good quality teapot, the correct care and maintenance methods are also crucial. Remember the following three points in your daily tea brewing routine: 1. Before Brewing Tea Preheat the teapot inside and out with warm water to remove any musty odor and bacteria (be mindful of temperature differences, use lukewarm water rather than boiling). 2. During Brewing During each brewing interval, wipe the teapot clean with a damp cloth (one that is absorbent) and then polish it with a dry cloth (soft). Consistency will bring out the teapot's warmth and luster. 3. After Brewing After using the Yixing teapot for brewing tea, clear out the leaves and tea water, then rinse the teapot inside and out with hot water. Do not use chemical cleaning agents; they can alter the aroma retained by the teapot and affect its sheen. In addition to the daily routine, follow these principles when nurturing your teapot: 01 To develop an outer patina on a Yixing teapot, frequently brew tea and rinse the exterior. After each brewing session, make sure to wipe the outside…

Tea enthusiasts may have had the experience of buying a variety of cups when they first started learning about tea, such as bell-shaped cups, heart-shaped cups, slim-waist cups, blue-and-white thin porcelain, Ru kiln pieces with crackle glaze, Tenmoku bowls… Tea ware provides a direct sense of beauty, a form of aesthetic that can be touched by the senses, and so many tea lovers are connoisseurs of tea ware. If they find you kindred in spirit, they could tell you all about the history and origin of their tea cups in great detail. The appreciation of tea ware is similar to drinking tea, requiring careful savoring and discernment to notice subtle changes and discover finer beauty... Initially, I was fond of polychrome ware due to its rich colors that easily attract attention. Over time, however, I found that understated green tea ware is also appealing, as it endures solitude and becomes more flavorful with use. It can be paired with any type of tea, and the empty spaces give us room for imagination, resonating with the essence of tea. Gradually, from chance encounters with cups, I began to desire to own my own cup and embarked on the journey of "nourishing"…

Old Wang is a well-known master at nourishing purple clay pots in the Suzhou pot circle. The pots that have passed through his hands are all dark and elegant, ancient and simple, as warm and smooth as jade, extremely graceful. Many people have asked Old Wang for advice on how to nourish their pots so well. Old Wang mentioned the importance of frequent washing and use, but the crowd requested more detailed methods. Old Wang sighed deeply; everyone now only saw how well he could nourish his pots, but they didn't know how many beloved pots he had ruined in the process, and in various ways... Over-nourished to Death When Old Wang first started playing with purple clay pots, he heard that pouring tea over the pot daily could make the purple clay pot absorb the tea faster and form a patina. So he poured tea over the pot every day. After pouring tea over the pot, he didn’t wipe it off. His pot-nourishing cloth was used as a tablecloth. After a few months, he found that his pot had uneven dark patches. It had been over-nourished to death. Old Wang beat his chest and stomped his feet. His first…

Tea is a combination of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Why so? The TV series "Chicken Feathers to the Sky" features a classic scene: "Tea, a fine tree of the south." The opening words of Lu Yu's "The Classic of Tea" are telling, indicating that tea belongs to wood. Here, when we refer to tea, we mean the tea plant, not the finished product. So, what is the relationship between tea and the five elements? How can the five elements achieve yin-yang harmony? What considerations should be given to how teaware is placed? 01 Tea has the Five Elements, the Way of Nourishing with Tea Metal: "Pan-fried to halt oxidation," it belongs to "metal." Fire: Tea is pan-fried using fire, which defines its character. Water: Tea is brewed with water, which unfolds its leaves and reveals its aroma. Earth: Brewing requires vessels, typically made of clay or porcelain teaware. "Harmony" is the soul of Chinese tea culture. Harmony adjusts yin and yang, harmony generates the five elements, harmony is the middle path, and harmony embodies "unity of heaven and humanity." According to traditional Chinese medicine, if a person's five elements are balanced and their generation and control are appropriate,…

Tea utensils are generally used for drinking tea, but few people think creatively about them. However, in real life, there are people who can come up with these creative ideas. One: Usage of the Tea Strainer The tea strainer is placed on the teapot's mouth when adding tea, guiding it into the pot and preventing tea leaves from falling outside the pot. Two: Usage of the Tea Scoop The tea scoop is used to transfer tea into the teapot and is typically made of bamboo. Three: Usage of the Tea Tongs Also known as 'tea chopsticks,' the tea tongs serve the same function as a tea spoon, allowing you to remove tea residue from the pot. They are also often used to hold teacups while washing them, which is both heat-resistant and hygienic. Four: Usage of the Tea Needle The tea needle is used to clear the inner mesh (beehive) of the teapot to ensure smooth water flow. Five: Usage of the Tea Presentation Dish The tea presentation dish serves a similar function to the tea scoop and tea strainer, being a tool for placing tea. However, it also has an aesthetic function for appreciating the tea. Its main use…

Water Heater The most commonly used water heater is an electric kettle, also known as a portable water heater, made of stainless steel or plastic. Additionally, there are ceramic, glass, and cast iron kettles designed to be used with open flames or induction cookers. Teapot A teapot is used to hold tea leaves and boiling water, making it an essential tool in the process of brewing tea. Common types of teapots include those made of purple clay, ceramic, porcelain, and glass. Purple clay teapots are the dominant choice due to their excellent airtightness and breathability, and they are widely recognized as superior vessels for brewing tea. Ceramic teapots come in various colors and shapes, porcelain teapots are particularly attractive, and glass teapots are perfect for brewing flower teas. Teacup Used for tasting tea. Tasting cups are typically small and handleless. The styles, patterns, and materials of tasting cups vary greatly, with porcelain cups being the most common. Currently, imitation Ru kiln cups in various colors are quite popular. Covered Bowl (Three-Talent Cup) Also known as a three-talent cup, it usually consists of a lid, bowl body, and saucer, symbolizing "Heaven, Earth, and Humanity" in harmony. Covered bowls are most commonly…

The Sancai bowl is, in fact, the common lidded cup.The Sancai bowl consists of three parts: the lid, the cup, and the saucer, symbolizing the unity of heaven, earth, and humanity. It is also known as the "Sancai Cup," with a capacity ranging from 100 to 200 milliliters. Brewing tea in a lidded cup allows one to fully appreciate its color, aroma, taste, and appearance. In his essay "Drinking Tea," Mr. Lu Xun wrote: "To enjoy good tea, one should use a lidded cup. And so, using a lidded cup, the tea turned out clear and sweet, slightly fragrant yet subtly bitter—a truly fine tea." In the past, lidded cups were mostly used for brewing flower teas, but now there are no restrictions, and they can be used for all types of tea. When using a lidded cup, it can serve as an individual set for direct drinking or for brewing tea which is then shared among drinkers. Before brewing tea in a lidded cup, rinse it with boiling water first, then add the tea leaves and pour in the water. The steeping time primarily depends on the type of tea, its compactness, and tenderness, but usually ranges from 3…

Winter is truly the perfect time to use a purple clay pot for tea, as the warm, smooth, and hefty pot conveys the gentle warmth of winter right into your hands. However, when using a purple clay pot for tea in winter, there are some points to keep in mind, so enthusiasts should take care! Select the Right Tea The dryness of winter can easily lead to heatiness, drinking green tea can help with this, quenching thirst and stimulating saliva. The gloomy weather of winter can also make one's mood depressed or irritable, in which case floral teas can be consumed to alleviate these feelings. Black tea, being warm and sweet, can have the effect of preventing flu during winter; Oolong tea can effectively alleviate dry lips and mouth that often occur in winter... Selecting the appropriate tea can make your winter more comfortable. Prevent Cracking The situations that usually lead to cracking are generally as follows: 1. Special Clays and Shapes: In purple clay pots, special attention should be paid to clays with high crystallinity and unevenly walled shapes (such as Gong Chun pots). Crystallinity is an inherent property of the clay, and different clays have different degrees of…

We often come across various Yixing teapots but may not know their names. Here, we will introduce some of the most common Yixing teapot shapes.  Source: Chinese Tea Culture Knowledge

   In the development of tea culture, various tea ware emerged, among which the Yixing pot stands out. The longer a Yixing pot is used, the more lustrous and antique its color becomes. The tea brewed in it becomes richer and more fragrant. Even pouring boiling water into an empty pot will release a light tea aroma. Scientific analysis has shown that the Yixing pot preserves the original flavor of tea, allowing us to enjoy authentic tea with ease. This has created an inseparable bond between tea and the pot.       ◎Green Tea with Yixing Pot Green tea is an unfermented tea and the most produced type in China, accounting for around 70% of total tea production. It is also the oldest category of tea historically. The production of green tea in China is widespread, with provinces like Henan and Zhejiang being major producers. The latest scientific research indicates that the natural components in green tea have unique effects in preventing aging, cancer, as well as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, surpassing those found in other types of tea. Main varieties: Xinyang Maojian tea, West Lake Longjing tea, Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng, Lushan Cloud Mist, Lu'an Guapian, Taiping Houkui, Guzhu Purple…

Tieguanyin, a traditional Chinese tea, belongs to the Oolong category and is one of China’s top ten famous teas. It is classified as a semi-fermented tea. Many people enjoy drinking Tieguanyin. If you're going to brew Tieguanyin, I would recommend trying a Zhu Ni (Red Clay) teapot. Zhu Ni and Tieguanyin are often paired together, making the Zhu Ni teapot the preferred choice for brewing Tieguanyin. Zhu Ni teapots have a high density and contraction ratio, which enhances the aroma of the tea. Using this teapot results in a tightly bound, smooth tea soup with a long-lasting aftertaste and strong sweetness. The characteristics of the teapot are quite unique. Six One Hall Dahongpao Cigar Section A Zhu Ni teapot of around 200 ml is more suitable for drinking Tieguanyin. The teapot can quickly reach a high temperature, which meets the requirements for brewing Tieguanyin. In addition to Zhu Ni teapots, Zi Ni (Purple Clay) teapots are also good due to their broad applicability. How to store Tieguanyin? There are five factors that affect the quality of tea: moisture, temperature, air, light, and odor. Generally, low temperatures and vacuum-sealed storage are required to preserve the color, aroma, and taste of Tieguanyin…

  Seals and Markings on Purple Clay Teapots The markings (seal impressions) on purple clay teapots serve as important evidence for identifying their age and the maker's name. These are also the sole basis for valuation in the cultural relic, antiques, and auction industries. As a result, they are the easiest place for forgers to manipulate. Throughout history, skilled purple clay artisans and masters have been meticulous about using seals and marking their works. Their seal impressions not only demonstrate high artistic standards but also exhibit strict attention to detail in terms of seal layout and form, which is a critical factor in authenticating these marks. Generally, the marks of renowned artisans feature the following characteristics: Seal production is highly refined. The seals used by famous artisans are either made by themselves or commissioned from renowned seal engravers, showcasing a certain level of artistry. In contrast, counterfeit seals lack this quality, often appearing lifeless. The use of seals is appropriately stylized. Some artists may use two or more seals with different styles on a single teapot, carefully positioning them to achieve an overall harmonious appearance. The placement of inscriptions and seals is appropriate. The marks on purple clay teapots typically…

Tea can be boiled, savored, drunk, or poured. The various actions associated with tea reflect the myriad facets of human life. It is said that a Japanese scholar approached Lin Qingxuan to seek his insights into China's profound tea culture, only to find him idly seated in a recliner, holding a delicate small pot and sipping directly from it, without using a cup, in an unboundedly relaxed manner. The scholar was surprised. Could it be done this way? Unfortunately, Lin Qingxuan did not tell him that there is a way of tea but no rigid rules. As long as the tea is willing and I am willing, what else is there that cannot be done? "Sipping alone," in my view, is the ultimate enjoyment of drinking tea. With flower shadows at the door and a cool breeze under the veranda, holding a pot of fine tea, pouring all kinds of emotions into one's heart. Cherishing oneself, drinking alone, and opening one's heart freely, without joy, without restraint, without hindrance—this is how a true scholar drinks. Drinking tea, in the end, is something that brings pleasure to oneself. From the same pot of tea, Buddhists see Zen, Daoists see qi, Confucians…

"Handmade" Purple Clay teapots can perhaps be understood as follows: apart from very low-quality "slipcast pots" (a method similar to metal casting), all Purple Clay teapots are handmade. It's more appropriate to say that the body of the teapot, lid, and knob are all handmade rather than simply stating "fully handmade teapot." The term "handmade teapot" now is either a popular catchphrase or one used by sellers to intentionally blur the lines for sales purposes. When delved into, "handmade teapot" generally refers to a Purple Clay teapot made without the use of molds. As Purple Clay teapots receive increasing attention across society, new concepts have emerged in the Purple Clay world. The classification and naming of clay materials already make people feel lost, and in recent years, the concept of "handmade teapots" has appeared. In the market, it is common to see descriptions such as "handcrafted" or "purely handcrafted" being used to justify the price of teapots. Such statements are so bold that even the old artisans who traditionally used molds to make Purple Clay teapots would feel ashamed. How should we understand "handmade teapots"? By its name, fully handmade means entirely crafted by hand. So, is a teapot made…

Purple clay teapots are the pride of Chinese tea culture, and they remain a shining gem in the annals of Chinese tea culture. Yixing purple clay teapots are a marvel within the splendid tapestry of Chinese tea culture. They are not only a brilliant outcome of the development of Chinese material civilization but also a comprehensive crystallization of the progress of Chinese culture. Their creation and prosperity were both a natural evolution of tea culture history and a significant impetus for enhancing the form, quality, and appeal of tea art. The artistic transformation in the making of purple clay teapots has not only expanded the intellectual connotations of tea culture but also enriched its spiritual domain. Chinese tea culture itself advocates a simple and noble attitude towards life, but during the Tang and Song dynasties, the elaborate tea-drinking rituals overshadowed the spiritual essence, leaving behind only rigid formalities. Drinking tea was more about performing rituals, and savoring tea became an act of merely playing with it. The popularity of purple clay teapots eliminated these complex tea-drinking procedures, allowing individuals to brew and drink tea on their own. In this simple and unadorned manner of drinking, scholars could fully engage their…

Some people find wood-fired purple clay teapots stunning, while others think they lose the original beauty of purple clay. Ultimately, the choice is left to individual tea enthusiasts. In addition to wood-fired pieces, there are also reduction-fired and ash-covered purple clay teapots. Today, we will cover all three techniques in one go. Wood-Fired Purple Clay The wood-firing (naked firing) process gradually increases temperature. On the first day of firing, a low-temperature smoking process begins, allowing the carbon released from the wood to fill the pores of the clay. Once the surface of the clay turns black due to the carbon, the temperature can be further increased. This process takes approximately 30 hours. The characteristic of wood-firing is that ashes and flames directly enter the kiln. Unlike conventional glazes, the falling ashes naturally adhere to the surface of the piece and, when fired at high temperatures, form a lustrous, rich, and layered natural ash glaze; Molten or unmelted wood ash creates smooth or rough textures on the surface, along with various color changes, leaving traces of where the fire once resided. The result is natural and unadorned, unpredictable and non-repeatable. The color and texture of a wood-fired purple clay teapot depend…